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Nuclear Politics

By Carol Giacomo September 4, 2012 12:52 pmSeptember 4, 2012 12:52 pm

In Pakistan’s history, Abdul Qadeer Khan holds a unique place as the father of the country’s nuclear weapons program. Now at the age of 76, he’s mulling another vocation – political candidate, in elections expected next year.

There are many reasons why this would be bad for Pakistan, which has wasted millions of dollars over the years on its nuclear program when the need for improving the economy, creating jobs, establishing a better school system and building infrastructure is so great. There is also the not-so-insignificant matter of fighting the Pakistani Taliban that is trying to destroy the state.

Mr. Khan brought disgrace upon himself in 2004 when he confessed to having sold nuclear secrets to Iran, North Korea and Libya. Pakistan’s president at the time was Gen. Pervez Musharraf who pardoned Mr. Khan but placed him under house arrest. The government relaxed the restrictions in 2009 but his movement remains somewhat limited. Nevertheless, he is still revered by many Pakistanis and could have some electoral appeal. He recently founded the Movement for the Protection of Pakistan.
According to news reports, Mr. Khan seems to be talking some sense. He wants to break the stranglehold of traditional political dynasties and purge the country of corruption, through elections. He is especially looking for support among the youth, who are 47 percent of the population. But he also still revels in his nuclear exploits.

The bottom line is that Mr. Khan was quite content to provide some of the world’s most repressive regimes with the capability to blow up its neighbors and anybody else. Pakistan’s needs a vibrant, competitive political system that will produce a new generation of enlightened selfless leaders who will commit to building a functioning democratic state that will serve all its citizens. Mr. Khan is not that person.